“Don’t kill!”
“Aye, that’s one, and I’m sure there’s something about coveting asses…”
Saturday night conversation in Strawberry Cottage had turned to matters theological, and the assembled group was trying to remember what the Ten Commandments were. Given that the group was out of reach of not only the required literature but also the ubiquitous internet, this conundrum took a surprisingly long time. Tucked away in this lovely remote spot, even the owners of smart phones were unable to turn to the guru that is google and the eventual score was 8/10. As the various club members struggled to either recall or guess the other two a decision was made that more relevant ones should be introduced into the Moray Mountaineering Club. But more about that later.
The keys were entrusted to one of the more punctuality challenged members of the club. After (I can only imagine) some extended hanging around and more midge bites than is healthy the key arrived together with it’s companions in a pick-up kindly loaned by Graeme so that people and kit could be taken up the track. Bob arrived with his Land Rover and trailer and so between the two vehicles plus bikes nobody who arrived on the Friday night had to walk the six or seven miles to Strawberry Cottage.
After a swift unloading of the vehicles the cottage was soon the scene of unpacking and then socialising and planning. The weather for Saturday wasn’t great, with rain sweeping in around lunchtime which was to persist long until we had left. Not exactly promising but sometimes it really does pay to be optimistic, as the following four excerpts from the Book of Climbs testify:
“Dan and Sheena
Mam Sodhail and Beinn Fhionnlaidh. A nice sunny day. Went along the north side of Loch Affric to the new hydro plant (well disguised) and then up to Coire Leachavie and finally up to Mam Sodhail. After some discussion we decided to traverse Carn Eighe and on to the distant summit of Beinn Fhionnlaidh for fantastic 360 degree views. Returned via Mam Sodhail (again) and the Bealach Coire Ghaidhail. Great day. Nice swim in river once returned.”
“Joe, Sheila, Jane
The day started with the Three Muskateers on their journey up An Socach. Gem stones were found en route and we were at the top in glorious sunshine. Aramis decided to head down and conduct her own adventures. She was greeted by Illona and a midge free hut. Porthos and Athos continued on to Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan (Chrysanthemum) which was summitted at a good pace. Distractions and detours followed this included: finding the watershed,crofting the blaeberries, shooting the deer and lurking around the youth hostel (£25 a night?!) Excellent sunshine on return and Joe took a dip to finish it all off.”
“Ella
Sgurr Gaorsaic. A bit of a damp walk in and a steepish trundle up a tussocky hillside but great views from the summit so all worth it. Joe says that it is a watershed summit!”
“Graeme, Drummond, Maggie and Sol
Three Munros – Sgurr na Lapaich, Mam Sodhaill, Carn Eighe – great day, very hot, very cold. Lots of jackets on and off. Back 9.30pm – last as usual!”
Bob traversed An Socach and Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, saw a couple of deer, a raven and a variety of insects. His main observation was that Naismith route time formulae don’t work when you get over 60 and some annual incremental percentage needs to be added to the calculations. Hopefully will not become exponential!
Judith arrived on Saturday, having finished work late on Friday evening and spent most of the preceding week in the hot, dusty and crowded centre of London. Walking into the hut along the north shore of Loch Affric and then returning the next day proved that no hills need be climbed in order to have an excellent weekend with good company, far from the madding crowd.
On Sunday, in the light of foreboding weather forecast and early heavy showers Drummond, Ella and Bob decided on a saunter up Gleann na Ciche far enough to get a view of the bealach leading across to Cluanie. A very attractive glen and a good path with potential access to several hills normally approached from the south. The group commented that with transport arranged at both ends a traverse from Affric – Cluanie could make a grand day out.
Joe, despite being responsible for a borrowed vehicle far more expensive than he could possibly afford, decided to walk out and let someone else drive said vehicle. He accompanied Judith along the north shore of Loch Affric until the shapely summit of Sgurr na Lapaich (one of Graeme, Drummond, Maggie and Sol’s Munros from the previous day) proved to be too irresistible a draw. He then sloped off and wandered over it on the way out to the carpark. He was later delighted to find out that this “Munro” isn’t actually a Munro at all.
And now, the Moray Mountaineering Club Ten Commandments:
Thou shalt not rush
Thou shalt not be late
Thou shalt not leave a Beattie unattended
Thou shalt not be late with subscriptions
Thou shalt not bear false witness about routes, grades, mileage or Munros
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s Reserva
Thou shalt not unpack one’s rucksack at every opportunity
Thou shalt not fiddle after bedtime
Thou shalt not cancel attendance at meets at the last minute
Thou shalt not light fireworks indoors
Author: Joe
Photos: Dan